in·her·it·ance [in-her-i-tuhns] Show IPA
–noun
1. something that is or may be inherited; property passing at the owner's death to the heir or those entitled to succeed; legacy.
2. the genetic characters transmitted from parent to offspring, taken collectively.
3. something, as a quality, characteristic, or other immaterial possession, received from progenitors or predecessors as if by succession: an inheritance of family pride.
4. the act or fact of inheriting by succession, as if by succession, or genetically: to receive property by inheritance.
5. portion; birthright; heritage: Absolute rule was considered the inheritance of kings.
I think of an inheritance as automatic. Someone dies, and it's yours. Or they hand it to you. Anyway, it's not something you work for.
But in Joshua, it's not exactly that way. The people actually fight battles to seize the inheritance. Well, technically, God wins the battles for them, but they definitely have to be obedient and follow him into battle. Until they do that, the inheritance has no benefit for the people, only potential benefit.
And I started thinking, every one of us is given an inheritance from the Lord. Our talents, our salvation, our spiritual gifts--they only hold potential benefits unless we discipline ourselves and follow God into battle.
I've wanted to write my whole life, but unless I actually do it, take risks, go into battle, so-to-speak (and many times writing is a battle), any benefit is only potential.
So, I guess the question, do we have the courage to step forward, to take risks, to develop skills, to follow God into battle, in order to seize our inheritance?
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